Yankees Star Reportedly 'Less Likely Fit' For Red Sox Despite Trade Speculation

It sounds like the Red Sox won't be pursuing the Yankees star after all

The Boston Red Sox need to upgrade the second base spot this offseason.

Boston's starting rotation certainly is the club's biggest point of concern, but second base isn't too far behind. The Red Sox have been linked to a handful of starters to help the rotation, as well as some options up the middle.

One option that has surprised some people is New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres. The two-time All-Star may be traded this offseason and the Red Sox have been mentioned on multiple occasions as an option.

Although this is the case, it sounds like Torres doesn't fit what the Red Sox are looking for, according to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey.

"In other words, the Red Sox are prioritizing a stronger defensive second baseman to solidify the infield for their pitchers, even if it means that player won't contribute as much offensively," McCaffrey said. "Second basemen with subpar defensive numbers like Gleyber Torres (-3 OAA) or Jonathan India (-6 OAA), two players who'd been tied to the Red Sox, seem like less likely fits.

"Other names the Red Sox have been tied to this offseason -- Whit Merrifield (4 OAA), Ha-Seong Kim (7 OAA), and Brandon Drury (5 OAA) -- have stronger defensive numbers."

Boston already has made one surprise trade this offseason with the Yankees so one couldn't necessarily rule out a possible move, but it is extremely unlikely. Torres would be a very solid upgrade for the Red Sox, but his defensive metrics don't fit exactly what Boston is looking for. 

More MLB: Ex-Red Sox Slugger Signing With Japanese Club After Roller-Coaster Season